The daylight saving time debate has returned to the European agenda, as renewed discussions aim to finally end the twice-yearly clock changes across member states.
The initiative is being led within the European Commission by Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who has reopened consultations with EU institutions to explore a coordinated solution.
Long-standing proposal still unresolved
The daylight saving time issue dates back to 2018, when a large-scale public consultation showed overwhelming support for ending the practice, with 84% of participants backing abolition.
Following the results, the European Commission proposed ending seasonal time changes, and the European Parliament supported the move in 2019, initially targeting implementation by 2021.
However, the plan stalled in the Council of the EU due to concerns over fragmentation of time zones and coordination challenges across the internal market.
Member state disagreements delay reform
One of the main obstacles remains disagreement among member states over which permanent time system to adopt.
Concerns have also been raised about creating a “patchwork” of different time zones across Europe, which could affect transport, trade and cross-border coordination.
The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed political progress, shifting priorities away from the reform.
Ireland’s position remains key challenge
Ireland has been identified as a major point of resistance due to concerns over the potential introduction of a time border on the island, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Authorities warn that differing time systems could create economic and political complications if not aligned with neighbouring regions.
Health and economic arguments for change
Supporters of ending daylight saving time argue that the system no longer delivers energy savings and may have negative effects on public health, sleep patterns and productivity.
Commission data and public opinion surveys suggest broad support among EU citizens for abolishing the practice.
Commission pushes for coordinated solution
Tzitzikostas said the current system is outdated and no longer serves its purpose, adding that the Commission is working towards a scientifically supported and politically coordinated solution.
A new study expected by the end of 2026 is set to further inform negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council, with the aim of breaking the long-standing deadlock.
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